Aaditi Kulkarni

Aaditi KulkarniAaditi Kulkarni is looking to give back in both big and small ways.

The daughter of Rashmi Hanamsagar and Pralhad Rao of Greensboro, Kulkarni said becoming a part of the EC Scholars program is a huge step toward becoming a physician. She hopes to serve in rural communities, locally and abroad, to make a positive difference in the lives of the underrepresented through helping to set up clinics and health camps.

“I am so excited beyond words to be given such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue my passions,” Kulkarni said. “The moment I opened the envelope and the ECU fight song blared through my house, I felt a thousand-pound weight being lifted off my shoulders.”

EC Scholars is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive an Honors College scholarship and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.

Kulkarni said she felt a sense of home and belonging when she first visited ECU and was struck by the accomplishments of its faculty and alumni. She hopes to connect with groups like the Rural Healthcare Volunteer Society and Minority Association of Pre-Health Students to work with other students and serve the local community. An Indian classical dance performer, she is also eager to join one of ECU’s cultural dance teams.

“ECU has always stood out to me, primarily with its renowned public health track and unparalleled service opportunities, with which I would have access to great research opportunities alongside top faculty, community-engaged initiatives, and gain essential skills needed to blossom as a physician leader,” she said.

While Kulkarni is interested in rural public health, she approaches it from a global perspective. Her high school’s International Baccalaureate program provided a chance to build international connections and instilled a desire for an immersive study abroad experience.

“As an aspiring public health major, I would love a chance to visit and explore Switzerland, which is the epitome of global public health, and get the priceless opportunity to work and intern alongside great organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Red Cross,” she said. “Of course, I would not mind getting a tour of the renowned chocolate factories as well.”

This summer, Kulkarni looks forward to spending time with her parents and brother, though she will miss having the chance to visit family in India — “in addition to stuffing my face with Indian street food,” she said — before beginning college.

“Being an EC Scholar means I will have the privilege of not just being another number in the crowd, but part of a community that will help me thrive and give back to society,” she said. “I am extremely grateful to ECU for believing in me and giving me, the daughter of two immigrant parents, the chance to finally repay all the sacrifices my parents have made for me.”

“The moment I opened the envelope and the ECU fight song blared through my house, I felt a thousand-pound weight being lifted off my shoulders.”


High school: Grimsley High School

Intended major: Public health

Hometown: Greensboro

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